Ireland A began their defence of the European Championship Division One title with a convincing seven-wicket win over Italy at F.B. Fields, while hosts Jersey and Scotland A also began their campaigns with victories.

Ireland’s bowlers turned in a clinical display as Italy struggled to keep wickets intact. They eventuallt folded for the sub-par score of 161. Ireland A were made to work hard during the chase, by a persistent Italian attack, but opener James Hall was equal to the challenge, scoring a patient unbeaten 61 to see his side through.

Scotland A proved much too strong for their Dutch counterparts in, cruising to a 110-run win. Put in by Netherlands A, the Scots made an excellent start, with solid contributions from Oliver Hairs (42), Ewan Chalmers (59) and Moneeb Iqbal (36) taking them to 215. Man of the Match Mohsin Ghaznavi led the way with five for 50 for Netherlands, but their batsmen were a big letdown. Tom Heggelman and Vinoo Tewarie managed to double the score after they had stumbled to 33 for 4, but once they were both removed, there was little resistance as the innings closed on 110. Stander finished with three for 13, while there were two wickets apiece for Tyler Buchan, Sean Weeraratna, and Iqbal.

At Grainville tournament hosts Jersey put it past Denmark who won the toss but little else. They elected to bat on a pitch that was expected to favour seam bowlers and the hosts made them pay immediately. Opener Frederick Klokker scored a defiant 67, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end as Denmark stuttered to 164 for 8.

Jersey struggled initially, losing two early wickets before getting back on track through opener Dean Morrison and wicketkeeper Ed Farley. Farley was run out on 39, while Morrison was caught behind off Michael Pedersen for 55, but by then they had seen off the toughest period of the chase. Chris Jones, supported by Tim de la Haye saw the hosts through to a five-wicket victory. The match was the 100th international appearance by batsman Carsten Pedersen, who became the first Dane ever to reach this milestone.